Commodore Matthew Perry

Definition

A U.S. naval officer who played a significant role in opening Japan to trade with America in 1854 through his 'gunboat diplomacy'.

Analogy

Think of Perry as a door-to-door salesman who won't take no for an answer. He showed up at Japan's "house" (harbor) with his impressive "products" (naval fleet), and wouldn't leave until they agreed to do business (trade) with him.

Related terms

Black Ships: The name given to Western vessels arriving in Japan in the 16th and 19th centuries. In particular, this term refers to the ships commanded by Commodore Perry that arrived in 1853 and forced Japan to open its ports.

Treaty of Kanagawa: The agreement signed between the United States and Japan that ended Japan's policy of isolationism and opened up ports for American trade.

Gunboat Diplomacy: The pursuit of foreign policy objectives with conspicuous displays of naval power implying or constituting a direct threat of warfare, should terms not be agreeable to the superior force.